The Majority Report with Sam Seder

J.A. Myerson, offered a recap of Occupy's first year, from first being ignored and ridiculed, to gaining press attention and eventually inspiring Occupy actions across the globe. How the success of Occupy led to a violent crackdown and Sam wondered what was happening at Occupy encampments that possibly could possibly have motivated such an extreme response from authorities? And J.A. and Sam considered possibilities for Occupy moving forward.

Richard "ChemChampion" Champion a longtime friend of the Majority Report took democracy into his own hands and has become a leader in the Washington State Democratic Party. He explained to Sam how he did and how you can too.

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Direct download: 09-26-12-Richard_Champion-JA_Myerson-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:41pm EDT

Professor Juan Cole gave a regional overview of recent events in the Middle East, cleared up some of the confusion on the attack on the US embassy in Benghazi, described a poor security situation in Libya and noted that the transitional government is making slow progress there. Cole noted that the Protests in Cairo were small and considered a failure by Egyptian standards, but that President Morsi's response to the demonstrations was problematic and may alter US-Egyptian relations.

And on the Better Half: Mitt Romney is a preparing his presidential transition...Sam and crew laugh at this, Scott Brown campaign staffers give meaning to the word "Masshole", polling data shows the only white working class voters Obama has no traction with are in the south also Lady Gaga "a slut" for smoking weed according to a prominent Staten Island Republican.

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Direct download: 09-25-12-Juan-Cole.PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:11pm EDT

Yale Professor Jacob Hacker explained his new project "Prosperity Economics", why obsessing over the deficit right now is putting the cart before the horse, how low interest rates mean now is an excellent time to invest in infrastructure, eduction and human capital.

Why debt hysteria holds us back and how it is based on a fundamental misconception of the economic and political crises facing America. Sam loved the Prosperity agenda but wondered if ideological extremism would continue to make good policy impossible, while Hacker saw reason to hope for change in some public opinion polling.

On the Better half: former New York congressional Dan O'Connor candidate debated Sam on the legality of the federal government giving money to the states, Dan seemed convinced that the spending was unconstitutional but couldn't explain how it was, we also learned from a caller in Georgia how American could be tax and debt free! Sam wheeled it back in by sharing some troubling news on the Grand Bargain and Mitt Romney is confused as to why airplane windows do not open.

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Direct download: 09-24-12-Jacob-Hacker.PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:58pm EDT

Cliff Schecter joined Sam to discuss, Romney's awful week, how Mitt lurches from gaffe to gaffe, why he is dangerous on foreign policy and the man from Bain's bizarre conviction that he is somehow at a disadvantage for not being Mexican.

Matthew Film Guy talked with Sam about whether or not liberals can enjoy Vigilante movies and recommended the Ryan Gosling film Drive.

Sam did an epic take down of a Fox and Friends non story involving Barack Obama, Bibi Netanyahu and a pirate, Anne Romney says its really time for Republican critics of her husband to "stop it!" and Paul Ryan must really be regretting his decision to take up Mitt Romney on his VP offer right now.

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Direct download: 09-21-12-Cliff_Schecter-Matthew-Weiss-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:12pm EDT

Time Magazine's Michael Grunwald explained why all Americans are "on the dole" from tax credits to public tennis courts, why so many of us are in denial about how much we benefit from government spending across the economic spectrum,how the affluent gain from incentives in the tax code and why even though he hasn't worked in six years Mitt Romney pays a lower tax rate than middle class Americans.

Also Tim Pawlenty got a lobbying gig he simply couldn't wait to take. So good in fact that he quit his position as co-char of the Romney campaign weeks away from the election day so he could start lobbying for Wall Street as quickly as possible.

On the Better Half: Sam highlights sections of the Romney tapes that have received less attention but further reveal how delusional he is, also in a surprise development the author of PA's voter ID law thinks voting shouldn't be easy and many are to lazy to deserve the right to vote and Sam does an epic George W Bush impression that sheds light on success and luck.

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Direct download: 09-20-12-Michael_Grunwald-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:11pm EDT

David Dayen explained why the leaked Mitt Romney videos are dividing Republicans between those that still argue that trickle down economics benefit all Americans and more aggressive conservatives who are embracing the fact that Republican tax policies simply favor their base, Sam noted that one of the most encouraging things to come out of the tapes is that the Republican donor class is as ill informed as your average tea party supporter and Romney also threw the Middle East and United States security into jeopardy by disavowing the Peace Process.

And David told us why the gobbling up of foreclosed homes across the United States by hedge funds and investment firms could lead to another housing bubble. Scary stuff.

On The Better Half: Sam explained that the Chicago teachers went on strike not over pay but teaching conditions, discussed a Swiss tax evasion scheme that may involve one US presidential candidate and reflected on his weekend hosting Up With Chris.

Direct download: 09-19-12-David_Dayen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:56pm EDT

On today's show Kristina Rizga of Mother Jones Magazine, talked with Sam about her reporting on Mission High School San Francisco, what makes a school successful, how the high stakes testing regime advocated by corporate reformers is hurting vulnerable students and why its better to look for best practices instead of one size fits all rules for education.

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Direct download: 09-18-12-Kristina_Rizga-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:08pm EDT

On today's show Majority Report producers Matt & Michael reported from Occupy Wall Street's one year anniversary and found an energetic group of protesters committed to getting Occupy back in the center of American politics.

They also spoke with several Occupy protesters including Allison Kilkenny from Citizen Radio, freelance journalist and our Occupy Wall Street guy Jeff Smith, and retired Philly Police Captain Ray Lewis and others.

Also in a pre-recorded interview Sam spoke with economist and author Jeff Faux about his new book the Servant Economy on why America's middle class is hollowing out and how and why we are turning into a servant driven economy.

Direct download: 09-17-12-Occupy_Anniversary-Jeff_Faux-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:49pm EDT

On today's show Sam was joined by Guardian columnist Glenn Greenwald to discuss the Justice Department’s decision not to prosecute murder cases related to the Bush Administration’s torture program in Afghanistan and Iraq.Glenn explained that this investigation was the last remaining opportunity that the Obama Administration had to bring some accountability to those involved in the torture program and Sam wondered if it would take another couple of decades for a real reckoning the crimes of the Bush era.

But, first Occupy activist Jeff Smith talked with Sam about the events planned for next week to mark the one year anniversary of Occupy, how the mainstream media coverage of Occupy often ignored the issues that drove the movement, the ongoing police efforts to disrupt people’s right to peacefully protest and why he feels Occupy should stay independent  as a movement.

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Direct download: 09-13-12-Jeff_Smith-Glenn_Greenwald-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:58am EDT

On today's show Sam and Rick Perlstein discussed the Teacher's strike happening right now in Chicago. Rick explained how effective the Chicago Teacher's Union has been in gaining public support, the corporate special interests funding the "education reform" movement and how Rahm Emanuel's disdain for unions is driving Chicago city politics. Sam focused on the ideological nature of the attack on public schools and Rick said that universal education has always been vital to our economic societal success.

On the Better Half: a Libertarian caller sounded a bit confused but definitely loved Gold, Sam went over Kurt Eichenwald's new reporting on the Bush Administration stunning negligence before September 11th, Pat Robertson is confused as to whether men can be beat their wives in America but knows they can in Saudi Arabia and Sam shared his memories of September 11th.

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Direct download: 09-11-12-Rick_Perlstein-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:31pm EDT

Digby joined Sam to discuss the state of the shambolic Romney/Ryan campaign, how the weakness of the GOP ticket may hurt progressives and why Bill Clinton so artfully explained why Medicade was not only a program for the poor but also the middle class. Digby pointed out that Obama left himself a lot of wiggle room for cuts in his acceptance speech and said she felt the same way watching the push for austerity as she did in the lead up to the invasion of Iraq. Both she and Sam agreed that progressives can still influence economic policy and that they should keep pushing to reverse the austerity madness. 

On the Better Half: Sam noted the rise of the Neo Nazi Party in Greece and how the response to catastrophic economic situations is not always progressive populism filled us in on the Chicago teachers union strike and Paul Krugman educates Rand Paul on government job losses during the Obama Presidency and much more. 
Direct download: 09-10-12-Digby-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:43pm EDT

On today's show Sam spoke with Cliff Schecter about the DNC. Both Cliff and Sam agreed that the production value of DNC was a lot better than the RNC's debacle and that the only thing people remember from Tampa is Clint Eastwood's chair address. Cliff told us what he liked and didn't like about Obama's speech, the importance of keeping up the fight against Social Security and Medicare cuts and the disturbing pro Simpson-Bowles sentiments expressed by the keynote speakers. Obamabot (Andy Kindler) had a different reaction to the speech and reminded Sam that we must continue to believe in hope and that drones get the job done. Abi Hassen from the National Lawyers Guild told Sam about protests that took place during the DNC from both left and right and said that Charlotte was far less militarized than Tampa. Also the The National Lawyers Guild is fundraising to support its vital work in protecting demonstrators.

On the Better Half: Germo's wife is afraid that the Majority Report is a cult and Sam offers to have her in studio to clear out her negative energy, Sam maintains there is a real difference between Obama and Romney winning, but says the best scenario for protecting social security is Democratic control of Congress plus all of your calls and IMS.

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Direct download: 09-07-12-Cliff_Schecter-Andy_Kindler-Abi_Hassen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:42pm EDT

On today's show Harper's Magazine's dynamic duo Jack Hitt & Kevin Baker called in from Charlotte and discussed Michelle Obama's successful speech, how forgiving and organized the Democratic Party base is and how the bear hug between Bill Clinton and Barack Obama represented the cultural bestof the Democratic Party. Sam noted that Elizabeth Warren's speech could be seen as an implicit critique of Bill Clinton and he agreed with his guests that Clinton is turning into a Democratic Reagan, even though his Presidency was problematic from a progressive perspective. A deeply disillusioned Kevin said that the Republican Convention was so disturbing that he was almost ready to campaign for and contribute money to Obama again.

Comedian Dean Obeidallah let Sam know about his new comedy tour, why he wants to be Vice President, how the Republican Convention "looked like an early bird special at Cracker Barrel." And Dean spoke about the real world consequences of the anti Muslim hate speech of Michelle Bachman, Joe Walsh and Allen West.

The Better Half: Sam spoke about the DNC amending its Platform on Jerusalem and the word God and contrasted the platform with official US policy on Jerusalem. Mentioned good news from Michigan on collective bargaining and took your calls and IMS.

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Direct download: 09-06-12-Jack_Hitt-Kevin_Baker-Dean_Obeidallah-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:24pm EDT

On today's show Matt Taibbi called in to discuss his new Rolling Stone feature story: Greed and Debt. The True Story of Mitt Romney and Bain Capital. He and Sam talked about how Bain Capital and Mitt Romney exemplified the shift from an industrial economy based on making things to a economy run on speculation, how Bain moved away from investing start up capital to simply loading existing companies with debt and stripping their assets and how the restaurant scene in Goodfellas is the best way to understand how Bain's business model works. Sam lamented that the Democrats haven't followed up on Newt Gingrich's attacks on Bain he made during the primary and he and Matt agreed that the Democrats are still committed to making nice with Wall Street.

Better Half: What Sam liked and didn't like about the DNC. The worlds richest woman had some more inspiring things to say about how people move up the economic ladder, the Ted Kennedy tribute at the DNC was great and Sam thinks Teddy would love that he is getting to destroy Mitt Romney post posthumously and Sam outlined three scenarios for what happens to Medicare and Social Security after the election.

Direct download: 09-05-12-Matt_Taibbi-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:35pm EDT

On today's show the Nation's Ari Berman spoke with Sam about some recent encouraging Court decisions at the state level against voter suppression, described how the GOP is attempting to politically re-segregate the south and he and Sam debated the merits of holding the Democratic Convention in North Carolina. Tina Dupuy the editor-in-chief of TheContributor.Com described a pleasant atmosphere in Charlotte and said the DNC had less of a police state feel than last week's RNC. John Knefel, co-host of the podcast Radio Dispatch, gave an update on the many different protests and outside pressure groups meeting in Charlotte to fight for labor rights and genuine immigration reform.

On the Better Half:
Sam continued the Grand Bargain watch and highlighted David Koch's new generous offer to possibly accept some small tax increases in exchange for gutting Medicare and Social Security, a caller from North Carolina explained the power of the Occupy in NC and we discover the incredible danger that Mitt Romney placed himself in during Vietnam War (hint he did not experience this danger in Vietnam).

Direct download: 09-04-12-Ari_Berman-Tina_Dupuy-John_Knefel-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:29pm EDT

Happy Labor Day! Today on the program we bring you a collection of great speeches that celebrate labor and people power from FDR, Mario Savio, John Lewis, & more!

Direct download: 09-03-12-Labor_Day_Special-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:34am EDT

On today's Casual Friday, weekly guest and political maven Cliff Schecter, joined Sam to review this past weeks RNC. Both Cliff and Sam were angry at what the Republicans let Clint Eastwood do to himself.Although they both agreed that Eastwood best represented the wounded psyche of the Republican Party. Cliff thought the overall message of the convention was disjointed and contradictory and both him and Sam thought that Romney did a decent job.

Andy Kindler gave Eastwood some comedy coaching, described what it was like covering the convention for the Dave Letterman Show, told a great Herman Cain story and morphed into a full Obamabot, which was incredibly funny and we will have to wait until next time for Andy's movie recommendations.

Sam shared heartwarming quotes from the world's wealthiest woman (who inherited all of her money) telling working people to work even harder, played a sweet new song from Jimmy Reefercake and took your calls and IMS.

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Direct download: 08-31-12-Cliff_Schecter-Andy_Kindler-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:19pm EDT

On today's show Sam caught up with Jack Hitt and Kevin Baker who are in Tampa covering the RNC for Harper's Magazine. Jack and Kevin discussed the many types of lies in the Ryan speech and how even the mainstream media is now finding it impossible to ignore how dishonest he was. Sam noticed that Paul Ryan ran away from his ultra right wing politics and that the speech didn't sound substantively conservative.

Abi Hassen, with The National Lawyers Guild explained that the city of Tampa was onlockdown and looked as if it already had been the victim of a terrorist attack. Sam and Abi discussed how the media always creates a a fear frenzy before protests and how the shutdown of downtown Tampa is impacting the promised economic benefits of hosting the RNC.

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Direct download: 08-30-12-Jack_Hitt-Kevin_Baker-Abi_Hassen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:52pm EDT

On today's show Sam spoke with Tina Dupuy, Editor of The Contributor.com and Michael Tracey a contributing writer for Salon, both live from the RNC. Sam and his guests discussed the heavy law enforcement presence in Tampa, the Ron Paul supporters rebellion and why the Tea Party is still so afraid of President Obama.

On the Better Half: Sam reviews last nights RNC speeches and says it was mostly everyone out for themselves, decodes Ann Romney's attempt to humanize her husband and explains Mitt Romney's range of facial expressions. Also Where was Dubya?

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Direct download: 08-29-12-Tina_Dupuy-Michael_Tracey-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:46pm EDT

On today's show author Jack Hitt and historian Kevin Baker called in from Tampa where they are covering the RNC for Harper's Magazine.Sam talked with them about the most important speeches to be listening to at the convention and all three wondered if Chris Christie and Paul Ryan are assuming a Romney loss. Hitt and Baker also ran into a Wisconsin delegate who didn't believe in pension plans public or private and that led to a discussion of the modern conservative movements historical illiteracy.

On the Better Half: Sam stayed on the Grand Bargain beat and played some disappointing clips of President Obama still seeking compromise on Social Security and Medicare. Another Republican senate candidate shared some incredibly disturbing, crazy and just sexist views on rape. And much more!

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Direct download: 08-28-12-Kevin_Baker-Jack_Hit-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:57pm EDT

On today's show Sam hosted Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein. Stein outlined her proposals for a "Green New Deal" and explained why she thought Democratic Party was a dead end for progressive politics. But, Sam wondered if she was missing the lessons of the Bush era and wanted to know what the Green plan was for after the election.

In the Better Half: Sam reviewed Chris Matthew's epic take down of RNC chair Reince Priebus on Morning Joe and also noted some dull and disconnected conventional wisdom offered by Tom Brokaw and took your calls and IMS.

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Direct download: 08-27-12-Jill_Stein-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:56pm EDT

On today's show Sam and Cliff talked about the shooting outside of the Empire State Building, agreed that the NRA had more blood on its hands and discussed the need to get serious about Gun control. And poor Mitt Romney, Gawker now has their hands on his Bain documents and he can't get Todd Akin to drop out of his race.

Isabel Gillies and Sam talked about Elvis movies and she recommended the French film Un Secrete for our viewing pleasure.

And Sam went to your calls and IMS

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Direct download: 08-24-12-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:15pm EDT

On today's show Sam talked with Educators Sarah Knopp and Jeff Bale, editors of the anthology Education and Capitalism: Struggles for Learning and Liberation, about the corporate assault on public on public schools, testing, class and social mobility and what the true purpose of education really is.

On the Better Half: Gawker gets its hands on troves of Bain documents detailing Romney's shady tax schemes, will a hurricane hit Tampa during the RNC? Sam drops a Barry White impression and also does a Random Rush.

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Direct download: 08-23-12-Sarah_Knopp-Jeff_Bale-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:53pm EDT

On today's show The Nation's Ari Berman joined Sam to discuss the latest news out of Pennsylvania where a state Judge has uphold the voter ID law and movement to protect voter rights is growing. Sam and Ari agreed that Democrats need to spend political capital on this issue for both moral and political reasons.

Sam was then joined by Slate and Pandagon contributing writer, Amanda Marcotte who explained that Todd Akin's rape comments are reflective of the thinking of the anti choice movement. She and Sam also noticed the disturbing new usage of the term "forcible rape" as if there was any other kind and Amanda chalked it up to the Christian Rights "magical" worldview.

And Sam reported on the latest finding on the CIA/NYPD Muslim surveillance program. One big takeaway: all that spying did not produce a single lead!

Direct download: 8-21-12-Ari_Berman-Amanda_Marcotte-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:24pm EDT

On today's show Harper's contributor writer and international legal expert Scott Horton spoke with Sam about the diplomatic standoff between Ecuador and the UK, why the UK's aggression is so unusual in this type of case and explained the difference between political and diplomatic immunity. Assange's US attorney, Michael Ratner told Sam that Sweden regularly sends investigators to other countries to question witnesses and suspects making it all the more suspicious that they would not send officials into the UK to question Assange. Sam and Michael also examined the broader implications of the crackdown on Wikileaks for press freedom.

In the Better Half:
Rogue Republican operative Roger Stone Alleges that the Koch brothers offered Romney more funding for PAC ads if he picked Ryan, Todd Akin's insane and cruel comments about rape, Sam reflects on being on UP With Chris Hayes yesterday and Republicans go skinny dipping in Israel and Sam doesn't care.

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Direct download: 8-20-12-Scott_Horton-Michael_Ratner-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:37pm EDT

Cliff tells us why he thinks Romney picked Paul Ryan. Joe Biden says that Social Security won't be touched and Sam and Cliff say that progressives should push the Obama Biden campaign to make the same commitments for Medicare and Medicade. Circumstantial evidence that Mitt Romney may have been part of a criminal tax avoidance scheme and Cliff gives two cable anchors credit for calling out Republican lies.

Hari Kondabolu writer for the new FX show Totally Biased joined Sam to give some movie recommendations, but before he could get to them Sam almost cost him his job. Hari said that we should check out Chris Rock'sGood Hair and the Bollywood movie Lagaan.

And Jimmy Reefercake has a new song for us.

On the Better Half:
Missouri Senate candidate says the federal government shouldn't give poor kids school lunches, Sam probably won't go to either of the conventions, but Mike from Florida thought he should and Sam explained the key differences between the Obama and Ryan Medicare plans.

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Direct download: 08-17-12-Cliff_Schecter-Hari-Kondabolu-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:18pm EDT

On today's show Sam reviewed the latest from the ongoing crises in the UK over the Assange extradition. The UK's threatens to invade the Ecuadorian embassy and a insightful New York Times piece focuses on the burning question of how Julian Assange was as a roommate.

We also heard an interview with the late David Rakoff right before the 2008 election and learned David's farsighted thoughts on poverty and homophobia in modern America.

On the Better Half: more on why Paul Ryan is good for the left, Hedge Fund manager John Taylor supports the Ryan budget but says Republicans should not talk about it in public in an amazing CNBC clip and Rand Paul is not a bright guy.

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Direct download: 08-15-12-David_Rakoff_Assange-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:13pm EDT

On today's Show, Sam discussed a disturbing new referendum that could allow thousands of students to skip out on there science education in Missouri. Also a Pennsylvania Judge will notgrant
an injunction against the states voter ID laws and other news in voter suppression. Speaking of which a new Tufts University study shows that white people think they are more discriminated against than black people

On the Better Half:
Anne Romney gets a little edgy and says that we will not see anymore of Mitt's taxes and that her husband has "golden integrity." Mitt reaffirms in any interview that he approves of what comes out his mouth and Sam gets pretty deep into the wilderness with a Libertarian caller.

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Direct download: 08-15-12-Sam_News-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:13pm EDT

On today’s show Sam talked about new research showing that banning junk in schools actually helps kids stay healthier (shocker). He also spoke with with progressive talk show host and anti mountain top removal activist Bob Kincaid, about the health and social justice crises in Applachia and the importance of getting Congress to act against mining interests.

In the Better Half: More on why Romney would actually pick Paul Ryan, the golden opportunity for progressives in the Ryan pick and Mitt Romney left his young ward in the Midwest and went to Florida to have a fundraiser with a convicted drug trafficker and much more.

Direct download: 08-14-12-Bob_Kincaid-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:13pm EDT

Today Sam spoke with conservative talker, Malcolm Out Loud about "tough decisions" and the Ryan budget. Things didn't get very specific. Sam wondered if Romney picked Ryan because he thinks he is going to lose and asked why getting tough always meant punishing the middle class and the poor?

On the Better Half: was the Ryan pick a way to distract people from Romney's taxes? Also Tim Pawlenty was vetted by the Romney campaign and he said that he needed to hand over several years of tax returns to the Romney people (interesting). Also do Democrats have more details on Romney's shady taxes that they haven't leaked yet?

Direct download: 8-13-12-Malcolm_Out_Loud-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:29pm EDT

8/7/12

On today’s show, Journalist Elizabeth Cline, revealed some of the many costs of our addiction to cheap fashion. Sam talked with BuzzFeed’s Rosie Gray about the inner workings of the Tea Party and from the Majority Report archives, Professor David Graeber, talked about debts, markets and Occupy.

And from the Air America days a beautiful performance from the Cowboy Junkies.

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On today's show political maestro Cliff Schecter and Sam talked about why Senator Joe Manchin is just awful, the new employment numbers and why Harry Reid's attack on Mitt Romney is so smart. We also learned something unexpected about Cliff's past.

Sarah Silverman talked with Sam about his hair therapy regimen, meeting Al Gore after eating a pot cookie and recommended three movies: The controversial documentary the Staircase, the 1960s comedy Where's Poppa (or Going Ape), the indie drama Jesus's Son (with what Sarah says is an incredible performance from Dennis Leary) and Nora Ephron'sHeartburn.

And Sam took your calls and IMs, got an update on the possible endorsement of President Obama by former Republican Governor Charlie Crist and more comments on the job crises.

Direct download: 08-03-12-Cliff_Schecter-Sarah_Silverman-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm EDT

Glenn Greenwald was on the program today, talking about his new article the "Normalization of Extremism." Glenn and Sam talked about how policies once thought to be well outside of the mainstream such as torture and kill lists have become normalized in today's politics and how some of our worst cultural nightmares of a surveillance state are becoming true.

On The Better Half:

Sam talked about "hate a Gay eat a plastic chicken day" or as its also known Chick-fil-A appreciation day, Mitt Romney's absurd new ad on the auto bailout and reminisced about interviewing Gore Vidal and other greats in the Air America days

Direct download: 08-02-12-Glenn_Greenwald-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:33pm EDT

Former Tarp Inspector General, Neil Barofsky joined Sam to talk about his new book “Bailout: An Insider Account of How Washington Abandoned Main Street While Rescuing Wall Street.” Neil and Sam discussed the widespread fraud in the TARP program, how the HAMP program was designed to provide a "soft landing" for banks the revolving door between Washington and Wall Street and getting a "Bullet or Bribe" Colombian Drug Cartel Style offer from the former head of TARP Herb Allison

On the Better Half:

Sam talked about why you may be getting a rebate check from your insurance company because of the Affordable Care Act, the Romney campaign hits the trifecta with a new oversees embarrassment, Romney also took some time out to praise Israel's progressive National Health Care system and two new Appellate Court Rulings are in favor of the public not corporate special interests.

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  Thanks!

Direct download: 07-31-12-Neil_Barofsky-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:08pm EDT

Former NY Governor and host of View Point on Current TV, Eliot Spitzer discussed Tim Geithner's testimony at the LIBOR hearings last week, explained why self regulation of Wall Street is a failure and commented on former Citi CEO Sandy Weill''s voicing support for breaking up too big to fail banks. Also Mitt Romney is the most "awkward politician" Eliot Spitzer has ever seen.

In the better half: Sam celebrated the 47th anniversary of Medicare, discussed the fake Bill Keller column on Wikileaks and a real Bill Keller column calling for slashing social security. The fake one makes a lot more sense than the real one, and in Mississippi a Church refused to marry a black couple.

Direct download: 07-30-12-Eliot_Spitzer-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:45pm EDT

Cliff Schecter talks with Sam about Mitt Romney's week of disaster oversees and revisits the Chick-Fil-A saga. Film Guy Matthew recommendeda couple of gritty Brazilian movies, Elite Squad 1 and 2 that brought out his inner right winger.

In the Better Half: Sam talked about what might be an absolutely brutal leadership fight after the next election between Eric Cantor and John Boehner and your calls and IMs

Members make the Majority Report possible.  Please join us by becoming a MEMBER.  You can also show your support by clicking thru to the DONATE button for a one-time donation — anytime.  Thanks!

Direct download: 07-27-12-Cliff_Schecter-Matthew_Film_Guy-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:06pm EDT

Matt Taibbi talks with Sam about the Audit the FED bill that passed the house and the lack of media coverage the last time around, why Guy Lawson’s book Octopus is so good atexplaining how Wall street works and a revealing interview Thomas Friedman did with a tough radio host in New Zealand.

On the better half
After calling for a Police general strike in favor of gun control, Mike Bloomberg endorses anti gun control Scott Brown for Senate. A new study concludes that Medicare saves lives (shocker) and 2012 is the hottest year on record in the United States. You will never believe what Mitt Romney said to the Brits about the Olympics.

Direct download: 07-26-12-Matt_Taibbi-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:17pm EDT

On today's show Sam discussed the string of scandals rocking the Philadelphia charter school system, Pennsylvania Republicans continued to push voter purge bills And Peter Orszag writes an incredibly disingenuous argument for privatizing the Postal Service.

In the better half, Sam talked about Romney backer Suzy Welch saying Obama comes from the "other" America and a Romney aide speaking off the record in the UK saying that Obama doesn't respect our "Anglo Saxon Heritage." Wonder what they're referring to?

Direct download: 07-25-12-Sam_With_News-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:06pm EDT

Hullabaloo blogger Digby (@digby56) joined us today to talk the Dems plans for the fiscal cliff showdown, and the renewed drive to cut Social Security and Medicare.


In the better half, Sam talked the surge in gun sales in Colorado, Fox hosts two little girls to explain Republican economic policy and Bloomberg calls for a strike.

Direct download: 07-24-12-Digby-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:48pm EDT

Cliff SchecterLibertas LLC, talks NRA in wake of shooting rampage in Aurora, calls out right-wing  Chick-fil-A chain (not a pop singer!) and indulges in weekly Romney bashing. And Isabel Gillies delivers this week's film pick (surprise, surprise!).


Direct download: 07-20-12-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gilllies-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:48pm EDT

Glen Ford, editor of Black Agenda Report, on destructive policies of the Obama administration, the quiescent Left and the collapse of the Black community's voice in opposing this President. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 07-19-12-Glen_Ford-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:08pm EDT

Stephen Kohn from the National Whistleblowers Center on FDA's surveillance of whistleblowing scientists; the invasive email dump, an enemies list and other elements of the case. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 07-18-12-Stephen_Kohn-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:58pm EDT

David Dayen from Firedoglake News discusses California's Prop 32, the ballot initiative to divest unions of their political voice under guise of "campaign finance reform".  Prop 32 goes before voters in November. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 07-17-12-David_Dayen-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:04pm EDT

Acclaimed writer Tom Junod on the targeted killing, drone strikes, capture and kill wars begun by Bush but given a legal and moral apparatus by Obama.  His Esquire article, "The Lethal Presidency of Barack Obama."  LIsten LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 07-16-12-Tom_Junod-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:01pm EDT

Investigative journalist Guy Lawson on his book, Octopus: Sam Israel, the Secret Market, and Wall Street's Wildest Con.  Also, interviews from Netroots Nation, EJ Graff (@ejgraff) from American Prospect and Susie Sampson(@susiesampson) from Tea Party Report.

Direct download: 07-13-12-Guy_Lawson-EJ_Graff-Susie_Sampson-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:48pm EDT

Physicist and Nobel Prize winner, Steven Weinberg, on Higgs boson particle, today's attitude toward science and implications of not funding big science.   His latest book, Lake Views: This World and the Universe.  And, from Netroots Nation, Forrest Brown, from  Progressive Change Campaign Committee.

Direct download: 07-12-12-Steven_Weinberg-Forrest_Brown-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:02pm EDT

Techdirt's Mike Masnick on Ron and Rand Paul's "Internet Freedom" manifesto, which goes against what most Internet freedom advocates support.  Also, the tug-of-war over net neutrality, regulatory control of the internet and safeguarding innovation.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 07-10-12-Mike_Masnick-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:41pm EDT

Plaintiff attorney Christopher Paulos from Levin Papantonio on crooked culture of  pharmaceutical industry and recent GlaxoSmithKline settlement.  Also, pay slashed to minimum wage for city employees in Scranton, Romney weekend fundraisers and Obama tax cuts.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 07-09-12-Christopher_Paulos-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm EDT

Sam and Cliff Schecter from Libertas LLC look to FDR & history in Obama assessment, talk jobs numbers and pick the low hanging fruit from the Romney campaign tree.  Also, Jonathan Krohn, former conservative wunderkind has movie picks.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST) 

Direct download: 07-06-12-Cliff_Schecter-Jonathan_Krohn-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:11pm EDT

Matt Taibbi of Rolling Stone on LIBOR banking scandal as Barclays implicates British Government and scale of cartel style, market manipulation by players worldwide is unveiled.  Also, Higgs boson, major discovery! Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 07-05-12-Matt_Taibbi-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30pm EDT

Bill Scher executive editor at Liberal Oasis and Sam have a lively debate about the virtues of the Obama Administration.  Also, in Occupy news, Occupy Philly in action, tweets of Brooklyn Bridge Occupy protester threatened and jailed Duarte Square protester on a hunger strike. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 07-03-12-Bill_Scher-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:40pm EDT

Producer and director David Van Taylor on judicial confirmation wars and his film Advise and Dissent: where the Supreme Court and politics collide. And a surprise call from Sen Kathy "Janeane Garofalo" Harriss.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 07-02-12-David_Van_Taylor-Janeane_Garofalo-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:46pm EDT

Ari Berman, author of Herding Donkey's on SCOTUS v. Affordable Care Act: the votes of the Justices, the impact on reputation of the Court, mobilization of the Right and implications for Medicaid.  Also, voter suppression, the Voting Rights Act and the DOJ.  And joining us with a Friday movie pick, comedian Michael Ian Black. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-29-12-Ari_Berman-Michael_Ian_Black-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:38pm EDT

The Supreme Court upholds the Individual Mandate of Affordable Care Act.  Law Professor Amanda Frost talks semantics of ruling, implications of commerce clause and offers early thoughts about ramifications going forward.  Oops, CNN gets it wrong. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-28-12-Amanda_Frost-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:28pm EDT

Author of What's the Matter with Kansas Thomas Frank revisits the conservative state of Kansas where the wealthy are excused from income tax and the tea party agenda is in full swing.  Also, Ted Alexandro reports from Occupy CITI.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-27-12-Thomas_Frank-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:31pm EDT

Lori Wallach from Public Citizen on the secret negotiations of the far-reaching Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) "free trade" agreement.   It's globalization on steroids - and you're not supposed to know about it.  And, in advance of Thursday's Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act we revisit Sam's March interview with law professor Amanda Frost.

Direct download: 06-26-12-Lori_Wallach-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:20pm EDT

Middle East expert Juan Cole on Egyptian elections and the country's political landscape; agenda of Muslim Brotherhood and what their victory means for the country.  You may be surprised. Also, three important Supreme Court rulings today: reversal of Montana's anti-Citizens United stance, life without parole sentences for juveniles unconstitutional and federal law trumps in Arizona's SB1070 or "if you're-brown-you-have-a-problem" law. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-25-12-Juan_Cole-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:15pm EDT

Cliff Schecter from Libertas LLC on the NRA, ATF and brouhaha over Fast & Furious, the divisive 5:4 decisions of Robert’s court and the question: why don’t liberals care about SCOTUS? And back in rotation, Film Guy Matthew Weiss with a thoughtful and apropos movie review.  And, pot or crack – which is more harmful; DEA flummoxed. Romeny’s such a prankster and you’ll get a time-out if you say Vagina!  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-22-12-Cliff_Schecter-Matthew_Weiss-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:33pm EDT

Chris Hayes of UP with Chris Hayes speaks with Sam about his new book , Twighlight of the Elites and on the iron law of meritocracy, cult of smart, the race for the inner ring and more.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-21-12-Chris_Hayes-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:22pm EDT

Author, historian and columnist Rick Perlstein on political maneuvering in the mid-west, Republican bullying tactics and the confusion over Democratic Party principles, why the Left isn't represented.  And, Romney just not getting click-thrus. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-20-12-Rick_Perlstein-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:50pm EDT

Environmental activist Bill McKibben, 350.org, talks Tim DeChristopher, Key Stone XL pipeline and calls out the Fossil Fuel industry for taking massive federal subsidies.  Dave Zirin on powerful political voice of athletes, suicide rates of retired NFL players and more. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-19-12-Bill_McKibben-Dave_Zirin-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:46pm EDT

Abe Bonowitz from the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty on waning support for capital punishment policy, the devastating emotional toll and the truth about its costs. Also, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown on the fiscal cliff, Bush tax cuts, the financial fraud task force and more in a wide ranging discussion. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-18-12-Abe_Bonowitz-Sherrod_Brown-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:38pm EDT

Cliff Schecter from Libertas LLC talks the Worst and the Best of Obama this week:  Trans-Pacific Partnership and DREAM ACT-LITE.  Also, Darcy Burner stands up for women!  And Isabel Gillies on her power shrink, trip to Brazil and finally.....a review.  Plus, Jeff Smith, OWS media team, reports on D17 trial of Occupy Wall Street participants arrested protesting Trinity Church's real estate holdings in NYC. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST).

Direct download: 06-15-12-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:52pm EDT

Joel Rubin from Ploughshares Fund discusses Iran; the nuclear program, the negotiations and cyber warfare.  Also, cold war doctrine dictates U.S. nuclear strategy and GOP resistance to reducing nukes.   And for members, talking with blogger Jesse LaGreca(@JesseLaGreca) and marriage equality activist and author Zach Wahls (@zachwahls).

Direct download: 06-14-12-Joel_Rubin-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:07am EDT

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on authorization of Kill List, Citizens United SCOTUS embarrassment and opportunities in Grand Bargain.  And, best Banking Committee JPMorgan can buy, Jamie Dimon testifies on Capitol Hill.  Listten LIVE on Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-13-12-Sheldon_Whitehouse-Markos_Moulitsas-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:27pm EDT

Eliot Spitzer, former governor and Viewpoint host, on Dems strong negotiating position in face of fiscal cliff; expiration of Bush tax cuts and debt ceiling vote, especially given Republican discomfort with current deal triggering automatic cuts to federal spending.  Also, DOJ's willful resistance to take on important prosecutions.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-12-12-Eliot_Spitzer-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:44pm EDT

Syria and latest on Middle East jockeying with National Security Network Executive Director Heather Hurlburt and Matt Duss, Director of Middle East Progress at Center for American Progress. Why Turkey must get involved, Russia's role and the region's sectarian divide.  Also, talking serious environmental and food supply threat from Pebble Mine Project in Alaska,blogger and podcaster Shannyn Moore. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-11-12-Heather_Hurlburt-Matt_Duss-Shannyn_Moore-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:25pm EDT

Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley talks banking reform and good process government. Other guests include, Cliff Schecter from Libertas, Gaius Publius and Joe Sudbay from AMERICAblog, blogger Marcie Wheeler from Empty Wheet and senior policy editor at Daily Kos, Joan McCarter and Ari Berman from the Nation. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-08-12-Netroots_Nation_2-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:06pm EDT

Sam reports LIVE from Netroots Nation and talks with Adam Green co-founder of Progressive Change Campaign Commettee, Pat Garofalo, economics editor at Think Progress, live streamer Tim Pool, David Dayen from Firedoglake, Majority Report Tech Guru Kyle Shank and a long time listener is unveiled....hint: it's not Eddie Pepitone!

 

Direct download: 06-07-12-Netroots_Nation_2012-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:09pm EDT

Ruth Conniff, The Progressive political editor, on Wisconsin recall election results.  How out of state money, tactics that stirred resentment and Democratic party ambivalence pushed Walker to victory. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-06-12-Ruth_Conniff-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:18pm EDT

On day of WI Recall we discuss Detroit, where American Dream and middle class flourished, now is canary in coal mine for all U.S. cities.  Filmmaker Heidi Ewing on her new film Detropia, a haunting look at the iconic American city.  Also, Jamie Kilstein from Citizen Radio petitions to fight Jonah Goldberg -- for charity! Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-05-12-Heidi_Ewing-Jamie_Kilstein-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:47pm EDT

Huffington Post's Amanda Terkel in Wisconsin reporting on tightening recall race.  Both sides are energized, sending in big name supporters: Bill Clinton, Chuck Norris andSarah Palin and the outcome could result in a party split for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Also, Honeywell’s -.7% tax rate while CEO takes home $37 million. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-04-12-Amanda_Terkel-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:25pm EDT

Cliff Schecter, Libertas LLC, discusses the distortion of John Edwards infraction and implications of Bill Clinton's support of Bain.  Plus, Josh Orton on the road inWisconsin with debate results and latest in Walker's John Doe scandal.  And Matt comes through with a movie review.  Also, Sam on Rick Scott's push to purge Florida's voting rolls.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 06-01-12-Cliff_Schecter-Josh_Orton-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:46pm EDT

Journalists Manissa Maharawal and Zoltan Gluck report on growing student protests in Quebec, mobilization of neighborhoods, Bill 78 and reflections on Occupy Wall Street. And author of Tasteful Nudes, Dave Hill, belatedly delivers his movie recommendation. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 05-31-12-Manissa_Maharawal-Zoltan_Gluck-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30pm EDT

Sam breaks down parameters of the Kill List highlighting what's not in the New York Times article: targeted killing (who qualifies?), strike zone (defined boundaries?), Terror Tuesdays (who's in, who's out).  And attacks on Chris Hayes sticking in Sam's craw.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 05-30-12-Obama-Kill-List-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:09pm EDT

Venture capitalist and entrepreneur Nick Hanauer on his banned TED talk, why trickle-down economics doesn't work and the why middle class are the true job creators.   Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 05-29-12-Nick_Hanauer-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:24pm EDT

Cliff Schecter, from Libertas LLC, on the free gun giveaway, the tax rate game of chicken and the Dems slow drift right.  And Dave Hill talks being Santa and hockey fisticuffs.  Check out his book, Tasteful Nudes.

Direct download: 05-25-12-Cliff_Schecter-Dave_Hill-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:43pm EDT

NSA whistle-blower Thomas Drake and Jesselyn Radack, DOJ whistle blower, on the government's intimidation and personal destruction of whistle-blowers.  The Espionage Act, secret signing statements and  how Obama has outdone Bush in squashing informants.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 05-24-12-Thomas_Drake-Jesselyn_Radack-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Academy Award winning filmmaker, Charles Ferguson on the corruption of American politics, banking and academia.  The origins, the disillusion and the solution.  And, Canadian student protests reach day 100, Bill O'Reilly blows lid off Occupy and 70k extra in your bank account - what to do? Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 05-23-12-Charles_Ferguson-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:19pm EDT

Ryan Grim from the Huffington Post reports on the smear campaign waged by industry tainted regulators to unseat Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chair Gregory Jaczko.  The personal assassination and the twist as Jaczko waits the appointment of a successor.  Also, perhaps the most telling statistics ever on how income disparity hurts Social Security.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm at 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 05-22-12-Ryan_Grim-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:49pm EDT

5/21/12

Jeff Smith, Occupy Wall Street media team, reports on NATO Summit protests in Chicago.  The overblown police presence, the entrapment and decorated War Veterans return medals.  Plus, Corey Booker lashes out then backpedals and JP Morgan Chase losses mount.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 05-21-12-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:33pm EDT

Cliff Schecter, Libertas LLC, with news highlights from the week.  GOP strategy clashes with agenda of elite puppeteers.  Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Joe Ricketts, Romney's flip flop and Matt Miller's BS.  Plus, Jon Benjamin reviews movies, sort of.  Also, Obama on Arizona ballot - leave it to a Birther. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST). 

Direct download: 05-18-12-Cliff_Schecter-Jon_Benjamin-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:37pm EDT

Alec Loorz, high school senior, climate activist and founder of Kids vs. Global Warming began speaking out at 12 yrs old.  Now he’s the lead plaintiff in ground breaking suit against the government.  He talks about his work, basis for the lawsuit and how youth across the country are responding. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 05-17-12-Alec_Loorz-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:03pm EDT

Joel Rubin from Ploughshares Fund on Iranian nuclear capability, their goals, U.S. goals and how we track enrichment activity.  Also, the cold war mentality guiding the US nuclear weapons agenda.  Plus,  Florida denies driver's license to gay couple.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 05-16-12-Joel_Rubin-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:17pm EDT

Matt Taibbi from Rolling Stone on JP Morgan Chase's 2 billion dollar loss, banking regulation nitty-gritty and the outlook for the Too Big To Fail -- even bigger now.  Also, Jeff Smith from OWS on actions in Chicago during NATO Summit. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 05-15-12-Matt_Taibbi-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:48pm EDT

JP Morgan Chase's massive loss, Jamie Dimon's "mulligan", Colin Powell's leadership motto, psychopaths roaming free on Wall Street and more.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12-noon (EST)

Direct download: 05-14-12-JP_Morgan_Chase_Loss-Psychopaths-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:21pm EDT

Cliff Schecter, Libertas LLC, on gun insanity in America, Romney as bully, Biden’s marriage equality push and more.  Plus, Air America alumna Lizz Winstead reminisces with Sam and provides a movie pick.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12 noon (EST)

Direct download: 05-11-12-Cliff_Schecter-Lizz_Winstead-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:19pm EDT

Marine Master Sgt Jerry Ensminger on water supply contamination at Camp Lejeune that poisoned a million people.  His story, the military's shocking reaction and what is happening today.  

Also, in the Better Half for members, filmmakers Karin Hayes and Victoria Bruce on We're Not Broke a look at how multinational corporations are gaming the tax system at the expense of the public and the U.S. economy.

Direct download: 05-10-12-Jerry_Ensmiger-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:44am EDT

Our guy in Wisconsin, Josh Orton on state election results, Democratic pick Mayor Barrett will face Scott Walker in recall election, how money figures into recall and a look at Nancy Pelosi's position on Simpson-Bowles.  Plus, Richard Lugar loses long held Senate seat and North Carolina bans same-sex marriage. 

Direct download: 05-09-12-Election_News-Josh_Orton-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:10pm EDT

Author Eyal Press on what makes ordinary people stand up with moral courage against popular tide especially at great personal risk? His book, Beautiful Souls: Saying No, Breaking Ranks, and Heeding the Voice of Conscience in Dark Times.  Also, Jay! Tomlinson, of Best of the Left, on Our Blue Media.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Direct download: 05-08-12-Eyal_Press-Jay_Tomlinson-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:53pm EDT

Todd Gitlin, former SDS leader and author of Occupy Nation, on 4 essential points to understand about OWS, the movement's need for organized intention and how OWS serves the Left.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Direct download: 05-07-12-Todd_Gitlin-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:23pm EDT

Casual Friday brings Cliff Schecter from Libertas LLC discussing the week's politics, today comparing and contrasting Obama with FDR, looking at the different contexts that influenced their political choices.  Isabel Gillies brings her movie pic and Jeff Smith on Police Reform Organizing Project. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00 pm (EST)

Direct download: 05-04-12-Cliff_Schecter-Isabel_Gillies-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:43pm EDT

Columnist, professor and author Eric Alterman on American Liberalism today: social demands v. economic ones.  Where the Left is dropping the ball and steps to regaining the balance.  Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Direct download: 05-03-12-Eric_Alterman-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:27pm EDT

Former Senator Russ Feingold on Citizens United and the partisan make-up of the Supreme Court.  And Alexis Goldstein on Occupy the SEC, the Volker Rule and May Day.  Plus, yesterday was Loyalty Day and in the better half, Romney’s gay foreign policy adviser sacked, “mission accomplished” and a recap of massive May Day marches. 

Direct download: 5-02-12-Russ_Feingold-Alexis_Goldstein-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:42pm EDT

On this May Day 2012 Sam goes down to Bryant Park to talk with marchers, protesters and those out to celebrate the rights of workers.

Direct download: 05-01-12-Occupy_Wall_Street-May_Day-LIVE.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:49pm EDT

Glenn Greenwald from Salon on liberty and justice for some, the government's attitude toward torture and destruction of evidence, the failure to enforce criminal accountability for government officials and the prosecution of whistle blowers.  Also, from Occupy Wall Street's media team Jeff Smith reports on the movement's plans for May Day 2012. 

Direct download: 04-30-12-Glenn_Greenwald-Jeff_Smith-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:23pm EDT

Casual Friday brings Cliff Schecter from Libertas LLC and the discussion is all about the splintering of America.  Plus, Film Guy Matthew Weiss with a flick recommendation and words of wisdom to kick off your weekend. Listen LIVE at Majority.fm 12:00pm (EST)

Direct download: 04-27-12-Cliff_Schecter-Matthew_Weiss-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:53pm EDT

Mike Sacks, Huffington Post SCOTUS correspondent, on oral arguments addressing controversial Arizona immigration law SB1070.  Also, from The Nation, Katrina vanden Heuvel discusses relentless attacks on women's rights.  "Rupert Murdoch" calls in, Pennsylvania as petri dish for fracking industry, Mark Rubio's speech gaffe and defense for Bradley Manning pushes for fair trial.  Your calls and IMs.

Direct download: 04-26-12-Mike_Sacks-Katrina_vanden_Heuvel-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:36pm EDT

Climatologist and director of Earth System Science Center Dr. Michael Mann on the Conservative smear campaign to discredit climate scientists, distract the public and the dire consequences.  Also, science as contact sport and his book The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars.  

Direct download: 04-25-12-Michael_Mann-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:21pm EDT

Social insurance, who benefits and who loses from the success/failure of Social Security? How healthy is the Trust Account and why the program's obligations cannot add to the deficit.  Also, details on the BP Settlement from attorney Brian Barr.  

Direct download: 04-24-12-Social_Security-Brian_Barr-PUB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:15pm EDT